Decades of service: President Bill Purcell and 20-year member Tony Mason will be celebrating 60 years of the Rotary Club of Tatura.
Photo by
Madeleine Caccianiga
The Rotary Club of Tatura is celebrating 60 years of service with a celebration dinner early next year to pay homage to all members past and present.
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The club was formed in 1962 and has had many changes over its time, according to 20-year member and event organiser Tony Mason.
“A heck of a lot has changed over my 20 years in Rotary, not just over 60 years,” Mr Mason said.
Broadening horizons: Tatura Rotary organised a successful youth exchange program.
With the upcoming celebration, Mr Mason put a call out to the community for young volunteers to keep Rotary alive into the 21st century.
“We would love more members and especially young people who can pitch in, even for a half hour — our groups are vital to the community,” he said.
Mr Mason said Rotary had carried out multiple projects around Tatura over its long and proud history, including the fresh produce market during Christmas, its art show, and the exchange student program.
Shaping the community: The club developed Stuart Mock Place and other precincts in Tatura.
“Everyone used to pitch in and help out where they could, including helping the veggie market and our art show, which we have held over 14 times and has always been successful,” he said.
The club also developed Tatura Irrigation and Wartime Camps Museum and the Tatura railway garden.
“We developed the railway guard house gardens and got the war museum off the ground, which was a great effort by all because it is a great curiosity for kids whose parents were impacted by war to come to see their stories,” he said.
The club has helped many disadvantaged people in Tatura, and the club's programs have reached out to all parts of the world, including in developing countries.
Where it all began: Charter president Trevor La Peyre receiving the club certificate from past District Governor Ray Nicholls in 1962.
It also took part in the worldwide eradication of polio program, which was started in Australia.
At one stage during the 1990s, the club had 50 members, but now it is down to 17.
Even with fewer members, Mr Mason said Rotary was still going strong.
He said the upcoming dinner would be a chance for all volunteers to celebrate the history of Rotary and honour charter members Fred Volk, Jim Trevaskis, Alan Taylforth, Bill Tacey, Bruce Simpson, Vic Steen, Jack Smith, Ben Perry, Don McFadden, Jack Montgomery, Des Lally, Arthur Knee, Bill Ibbott, Vic Gross, Col Gaylard, Wally Gale, Joe Ford, Tom Flanagan, Russ Fairbain, Trevor La Peyre, Bob Ewart and Don Chappell.
“We would love, if possible, that many people make the trip down and come to celebrate this special event,” Mr Mason said.
The event will be held at the Ballantyne Centre on February 25, with a two-course meal at $50 a head and drinks at bar prices.
Bookings are essential. For further information contact Mr Mason on 0407 094 642.
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